Guildford-Based Specialist Eye Hospital Named One of '1000 Companies to Inspire Britain' by London Stock Exchange

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwired - Feb. 6, 2014) - In new research by the London Stock Exchange, Optegra, the specialist eye hospital group whose head office is in Guildford, has been identified as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in the UK.

The new report, '1000 Companies to Inspire Britain' is based on landmark research and celebrates some of the most successful SMEs in the UK.

As well as identifying 1,000 companies, the publication examines in detail the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs and looks at the sectors and trends that will shape the future of the UK economy.

Greater London accounts for 267 companies out of the 1,000, with the remainder spread evenly across the country. South East England and North West England are separated by just 18 companies with a number of regional hubs being highlighted in the report.

Gareth Steer, Managing Director for Optegra, said: "We are in a unique position because Optegra is a group of hospitals that is dedicated purely to ophthalmology services. This is a very specialist approach, which means we can offer the latest in technologies and services in a five-star environment."

The report celebrated that Optegra has grown its business so strongly, now operating 23 Optegra facilities across Europe - from just one in the UK less than five years ago.

Gareth continues: "Our success is largely due to patients being delighted they chose us and then sharing this positive feedback with friends and family and through testimonials and social media."

To celebrate the report, Gareth Steer attended a launch event held with CEOs from around Britain at the London Stock Exchange.

The research paints a vibrant picture of the British economy, as well as dispelling certain myths: manufacturing, for example, accounts for almost a fifth of the companies within the index. The UK's technology is in very good health, with 105 tech businesses making the list of 1,000. Over 100 sectors in total are represented; from architecture and automotive, to venture capital and wine, with companies from across every region of the UK.

Xavier Rolet, Chief Executive, London Stock Exchange Group said: "The UK has some of the most inspiring growth businesses in the world. Our report showcases some of these fast-growing and dynamic companies; the type of companies we believe will help fuel the long-term growth of the UK economy. Working with the Government and the wider financial community, we need to foster an ecosystem that promotes the right type of funding for businesses at each stage of their journey, so that together, we can drive our own prosperity."

The report was compiled and audited by Growth Intelligence, a UK software company specialising in monitoring the real-time data footprint of UK companies. To be considered for inclusion in the report, companies had to meet a range of criteria. These included being UK based, having a turnover of between £6-250 million in the last 12 months and a minimum of three years in operation. Companies had to demonstrate not only a positive growth in revenue over the last four years, but also an increase in employee numbers, workspace, contract wins or patent filings.